The Honourable Steven Guilbeault recaps Canada’s participation at COP28 and highlights upcoming the importance of some upcoming sustainability initiatives across the country.
Minister Guilbeault, as Canada strives to address climate change commitments, there’s a focus on reducing oil and gas emissions. Could you elaborate on the specific measures and targets set in place to achieve the emissions cap for the oil and gas sector, and how these align with the goals discussed at COP28?
We know that developing cleaner and less polluting energy is an opportunity for a safer and more affordable future. It requires tackling methane emissions and ending inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. These two specific climate actions were highlighted at the world stage at COP28, and are areas that Canada is addressing with world-leading domestic policies. Canada is the first country ever to commit to capping and reducing the amount of greenhouse gas pollution permitted from our oil and gas sector, something that will help create good-paying jobs in a cleaner energy economy.
In 2015, Canada was trending to exceed 2005 emissions levels by 9% by 2030, but we have successfully bent the emissions curve, and, with current measures, we are on track to exceed the previous target of 30% below 2005 levels by 2030, proving that not only do we meet targets, but we also surpass them. Canada is also on track to meet the 2026 interim objective in the ERP of 20% below 2005 levels, showing that Canada is on the right trajectory to our current 2030 target. We are aligning financial flows to ambitious action: Canada committed over $120 billion and introduced more than 100 measures to support these ambitious goals.
Stopping climate change is not about reaching a target and staying there. It is about setting a target, reaching it, and then striving for more ambition. That is what Canadians expect. That is what the Government of Canada will continue to do.
The Government of Canada will continue to support households on the path to net zero through carbon pricing rebates, support for heat pumps and zero emission vehicles. And the Government of Canada will continue to support the economy on the path to net zero with tax incentives and funding to support innovative technologies of the future.
Stopping climate change is not about reaching a target and staying there. It is about setting a target, reaching it, and then striving for more ambition. That is what Canadians expect. That is what the Government of Canada will continue to do.
On the oil and gas emissions cap specifically, no sector should be allowed unlimited pollution. Capping emissions in the oil and gas sector supports its competitiveness in a world that increasingly demands the least emissions-intensive barrel of oil. Every sector of the economy has a part to play in cutting emissions and oil and gas is the largest polluting sector in Canada and one of two sectors with growing emissions.
Canada has been actively promoting clean energy, particularly in the form of stringent regulations for clean electricity. How do the current regulations support the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape, and what innovations or technologies is the government prioritizing to ensure a reliable and clean electricity grid?
We are targeting a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 in advance of our net-zero economy goal by 2050. Cutting pollution in our communities across the country is good for our climate, economy, health, and well-being. It saves lives, reduces health care costs, and provides cleaner air for Canadians to breathe. One of the most important ways of reducing our emissions is through the increased electrification of the economy with clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.
While 84% of Canada’s electricity is currently non-emitting, demand for electricity is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades as our population and economy grow and as Canadians switch to electric vehicles, adopt electric home heating, and use electricity to power industry.
Given the long lead-times required for planning electricity systems, developing the CER now helps spur investment in clean electricity, sends strong signals to avoid investment in new unabated natural gas generation projects, and will help drive forward the development of emerging clean energy technologies. Regulations provide certainty to the marketplace.
It will also shield Canadians from volatile global fossil fuels commodity prices and support industry looking to develop clean power.
Air pollution is a leading environmental cause of death and disease both globally and in Canada. Moving to a net-zero electricity grid will also mean cleaner air and healthier communities across Canada.
How is Canada collaborating with other nations to share best practices and collectively advance clean energy initiatives?
COP28 sent a major signal to make clean energy a priority globally.
Countries pledged groundbreaking goals to triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency, and, for the first time ever, we reached a historic consensus to move away from fossil fuels in energy systems. These commitments globally translate directly to work being done here in Canada. The oil and gas emissions cap, clean electricity regulations, the clean fuel regulations, phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, investments in renewables; Canada is walking the talk.
